Hmm, it's certainly true that hieght gain or even distance/height gain isn't infallible as a measure of toughness. I remember when I first started (TOO many years ago) being puzzled why the record for the Winter Hill (11/2700) was so much slower than Kentmere (12/3300). Once I'd done both I realised it was the fiendish Winter Hill terrain that had slowed Dave Cartridge down so much!

And another thing - I'm sure I'm not the only one who usually finds Cat Bs tougher than Cat As, and Cat Cs even harder.. All that fast running kills me. Give me a turf-clutching climb anyday